Former Test quick Bollinger calls it quits

NEW South Wales veteran and former Test bowler Doug Bollinger has announced his retirement from all forms of the game, bringing a 15-year first-class career to an end.

Bollinger played 60 matches for Australia across all three formats between 2009 and 2014, taking 50 wickets across his 12-Test career.

The left-arm fast made his first-class debut in 2002 but it was not until the 2006-07 Sheffield Shield season that he really made his presence felt, taking 37 wickets. The following summer he took 45 at 15.44 to power the Blues to the Shield and put himself firmly on the selectors' radar.

He retires having taken 290 first-class wickets for NSW, making him the state's third most successful fast bowler behind Geoff Lawson (395) and Mike Whitney (314).

The 36-year-old has been in and out of the NSW line-up this season, playing just three Shield matches and three one-dayers.

"To play for 15 or 16 seasons with the SCG as my home ground has been amazing," Bollinger said.

"It's been a great ride. I met so many wonderful people and achieved the ultimate ambition of playing Test cricket for Australia.

"Now it's time for the next stage of my life with my wife Tegan and my children Skye and Liam. I couldn't have achieved everything I have without them."